JOHANNESBURG – Wits are looking to continue to set the pace at the top of the Premiership standings when they face off with Chippa United at the Bidvest Stadium on Friday (8pm kickoff).
The Clever Boys extended their unbeaten run to three matches in the league when they secured a 2-1 win over Baroka FC away last weekend.
The victory took Wits to the top of the league table, having collected 27 points from 14 matches.
They are only ahead of second-placed Orlando Pirates on goal difference.
Meanwhile, Chippa extended their winless run to seven matches in the league when they drew 2-2 with Polokwane City at home last week.
As a result, the Chilli Boys are placed 14th on the league standings, having accumulated 12 points from 14 matches.
They are only a point above the relegation zone.
Wits’ consistency has been the bedrock of their success this season, and it will be no different tonight, with goalkeeper Darren Keet and striker Lehlohonolo Majoro likely to play an influential role.
Keet was the man-of-the-match in the win over Baroka last weekend, while Majoro was on target with his first goal of the PSL season in that victory over Baroka in Polokwane.
The veteran forward will, no doubt, be keen to continue his goal-scoring momentum.
Wits coach Gavin Hunt has been disappointed with his team’s home form and is looking for an improved showing on Friday.
“Chippa United have a lot of good players, and it won’t be an easy game,” Hunt said. “We haven’t done well at home this season.
“We have dropped points that we shouldn’t have dropped in the last couple of matches. We have to change that. We want to finish on the high note.”
An early pitch inspection at Bidvest Stadium 🏟 ahead of tonight’s match vs Chippa 🌶 #BidvestWits #AbsaPrem #Nakanjani pic.twitter.com/AerZhocq44
— Bidvest Wits (@BidvestWits) December 21, 2018
As for Chippa, while they have struggled this season, they have always been able to rely on the efforts of Mark Mayambela and Rhulani Manzini.
The inspirational Mayambela is on a good run of form and was on the scoresheet in the draw with Polokwane City last week, while the hard-running Manzini has found his scoring touch, netting in each of Chippa’s last two games.
Chippa United interim coach Joel Masutha understands the precarious nature of his team’s log position but is confident they can put up a good show against the PSL’s front-runners.
“This is a team that wants to move up the log,” said Masutha. “Normally when you are down there, there is a lot of stress.
“I do feel like we need to work on playing more positively and not being afraid to take the game to the opponent.
“But if you look at the team I have‚ I believe that on any given day they can take on anybody and win the match.”